Okay, Hull played really poorly. But they'd held opponents scoreless in the KC for almost eleven hours, then we put four past the GK who left his cape in the locker room this time. I congratulate Theo Walcott on his goals and assist, but he was not particularly good until the game had already been won. I do think his first goal was very well taken. He recognized where he needed to go and stayed onside, then executed as efficient a two-touch strike as you'll see. His assist and his second goal got where they did because a defender touched them on. Giroud's right-footed goals were nice examples of cashing in on golden opportunities, something we have not been great at recently. (Nice assist from Meyler on the first.)
It was starting to seem weird that our injury list was so short, so the mass slaughter Tuesday was not unexpected. Three injuries, three subs; and a fourth guy had to finish hurt. Ouch. But wasn't it a wonder that we had the personnel to compensate? This team is deep.
There was a player-only meeting before the game at which Per, Arteta, Rosicky, and Cech imparted some wisdom or inspiration or something. It seems to have worked.
Elneny did a fine job, I think. He can't do everything Ramsey does, but he's the obvious candidate to pair with Coquelin in Ramsey's absence. He's more disciplined too. It may free up Ozil to get back to orchestrating the offense, without having to worry about Ramsey bombing through and losing the ball while flying across the opponent's goal line. With Campbell, Walcott, Alexis, and Giroud healthy, as far as I know, we should have enough firepower for Watford, even without the impressive Iwobi. Per and Chambers in front of Ospina is scary, but it could be OK. Gibbs and Bellerin have plenty of pace, anyway.
After Watford (FA Cup) Sunday, it's off to the Nou Camp to receive another lesson, or execute the upset of the year. Then Everton at Goodison on the 19th, and the international break comes at a good time. We host Watford again, this time in the league, when that break ends. Here's hoping the teams ahead of us stumble.
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